Connecting to nature is part of my self-care, so having a bright, colourful outdoor space at home is important to me. I’m not much of a gardener but I do try to have a go. I take tips from the seasoned gardeners in my family but mostly, it’s trial and error.
I’ve had a reasonable amount of success including a herb garden, a beautiful trailing rose and my favourite… a patch of wildflowers from some bee-bombs. I’ve also had a fair few disasters including an unknown plant I lovingly watered all summer, only to find out that I was tending a two foot weed.
When we moved house a few months ago, we left behind a well established garden. At the new house we’ve gained two bumpy buxom balls and a rectangle of lawn moss. So, in the earlier part of this year I planted bulbs and seeds, hung baskets and invested in some nice pots.
Then…nothing happened. The garden continued to look uninviting for several months. In recent weeks though, I’ve been delighted by the emergence of shoots, blossom returning to the surrounding trees and birds at my bird table. Each new appearance brings with it colour and interest, not to mention the promise of sunnier days to come.
My favourite part of the day is my early morning garden walkabout. It’s grounding and a really easy way to connect to nature. The grass is dewy, the sun is coming up and I potter about, listening to the birds.
One of my simple meditations is to find three new things when in a place I’m already familiar with (try this when next out walking). At the moment, the garden is offering something new daily. A seedling popping up, a bud on a plant or a change in colour somewhere. Although I look forward to summer when everything is fully flourishing, this phase of growth is incredibly rewarding.
A garden is a grand teacher. It teaches patience and careful watchfulness
Gertrude Jekyll
This Spring is a reminder to me that there can be as much enjoyment in the journey as the destination. I know its a well-worn cliche but it’s easily forgotten. We tend to focus so intently on an end result that we miss what’s happening on the way there.
The Spring is also teaching me lessons in hope and patience. Whilst I miss our old garden, I can see the opportunities in having a new space to create and the chance to experience every stage of the process. I am learning the value of waiting too. Plants don’t care about my schedule, they take what they need and take their time, only emerging when they are ready.
As our garden continues to change in the approach to warmer months, I look forward to the next lot of lessons that the Summer will bring.
– Michelle.
The Spring edition of our coaching newsletter is out now. Its available to read here: https://mailchi.mp/1d0c5117a9f2/open-up-your-life-coach-is-in-here
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